Big Cypress Tree State Park sits on 330 acres in Weakley County, Tennessee, preserving the site of what was once the largest bald cypress tree in the United States. The champion tree, which stood over 175 feet tall with a circumference of 40 feet, was killed by a lightning strike in 1976. Today, a preserved section of the massive stump remains as the park’s centerpiece — a striking reminder of the ancient forests that once blanketed West Tennessee’s floodplains.

The park occupies a peaceful stretch along the Middle Fork of the Obion River, where visitors can fish for bass and catfish directly from the riverbank or explore nature trails that wind through bottomland hardwoods. Birding is particularly rewarding here, as the wetland habitat attracts herons, woodpeckers, and migratory species throughout the year. Picnic areas with shelters make it an easy spot for a family afternoon, and the flat terrain keeps trails accessible for all skill levels.

Big Cypress Tree is a day-use park, so plan accordingly — there are no overnight camping facilities on-site. For those looking to extend their stay, Reelfoot Lake State Park is about an hour northwest and offers full campgrounds.

Spring and fall deliver the most comfortable weather for exploring, with spring wildflowers brightening the forest floor and autumn turning the hardwood canopy gold. Summer brings thick humidity typical of West Tennessee, so carry water and insect repellent. This is a quiet, uncrowded park best suited for visitors who appreciate natural history and unhurried afternoons outdoors.

Explore Nearby

• Parks Bridge — Covered Bridge in Tennessee
• Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Kentucky
• Woodlands Trace — Scenic Byway in Kentucky
• Land Between The Lakes National Forest — National Forest in Kentucky, Tennessee
• Shawnee National Forest — National Forest in Illinois